Cricket Australia stated that despite concluding his Indian Premier League (IPL) stint prematurely due to “minor side soreness,” Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is anticipated to make a full recovery in time for both the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes. Hazlewood returned to Australia after representing Royal Challengers Bangalore in his last IPL match two weeks ago.
Cricket Australia confirmed that Josh Hazlewood, following a brief rest period as a precautionary measure, has resumed “high intensity bowling” and will progressively increase his workload in preparation for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India and the Ashes series against England. Despite Hazlewood’s previous struggles with injuries, including a four-month break to recover from an Achilles problem sustained during the Sydney test in January, he is now deemed fit and available for both the WTC and Ashes contests. The WTC final is scheduled to commence on June 7 at The Oval in London, while the Ashes series will start on June 16 at Edgbaston.
As for England, they have encountered their own injury setbacks in the lead-up to the Ashes. Fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the entire series, and fellow quick James Anderson is sidelined with a groin strain. Furthermore, paceman Ollie Robinson’s availability is uncertain due to an ankle problem he sustained while playing for his county side, Sussex, over the weekend.
Australia currently holds the Ashes after securing a 4-0 victory over England in their previous home series during 2021-22.
